It has been dubbed the world’s longest aircraft – but now the Airlander 10 is at the centre of a significant insurance claim.
A combination of an airship and a plane, the Airlander 10 collapsed while it was on the ground at its base last month – and now an insurance claim potentially reaching £32 million has been filed.
According to a BBC report, the aircraft’s owners, Hybrid Air Vehicles, state that the craft suffered “substantial damage” while “detached from its moorings in light winds.” As a result, two people also suffered minor injuries.
In an email to shareholders it was revealed that the damage “will result in a claim under our insurance policy of up to £32 million – that being the maximum insured value.” The BBC outlined that a detailed inspection would be carried out before a determination is made as to whether the ship will be repaired or replaced.
“This time, with so much experience in the team now, we are sure it will be a much more straightforward process,” the company said, according to the BBC. “It will be a while before we are flying again.”
The aircraft had carried out a successful pilot test flight on November 17, but the deflation occurred less than 24 hours later at Cardington Airfield.
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